How do we keep this site running? This post may contain affiliate links — the cost is the same to you, but we get a referral fee. Compensation does not affect rankings. You might think finding a good dog bed is an easy task, but it’s not as simple as driving to the store and picking out the first “cute bed” you see. Dog beds come in all shapes and sizes and there are literally thousands out there to choose from! Dogs, just like their owners, have different needs when it comes to a comfortable place to catch their zzz’s.So, what should you consider about your dog’s needs? The most obvious factor is the right size, but you also should factor in her personality, agility, health issues and even the available space in your house. We’ve broken down your options into different categories to make it easier for you to find just what you’re looking for, and we give you some of our best dog bed recommendations based on our research.Here we review the best dog bed types based on a variety of factors: breed, coat type, and temperature sensitivity.
If you own a smaller or medium-sized breed, you have a wide variety of dog bed selections since they are more compact. Be sure to keep the bed in proportion with your dog’s size. Buying a bed that’s too large for your dog can leave her feeling insecure, so look for a bed that’s just large enough for your dog to stretch out on. Smaller dogs are also much more likely to get chilly, so it’s important to find a bed that keeps drafts to a minimum.Nest dog beds are a popular choice for small and medium-sized breeds. Typically they’re round or oval with lots of cushioning and raised sides to help your small pup can feel contained and comfortable. Pay attention to the quality of the filling material to ensure protection from hard surfaces. Our choice is the Big Shrimpy Nest Bed.Editor’s Choice: Big Shrimpy Bed on AmazonIt’s harder to find more of a variety and better quality dog beds for larger breeds than for smaller dogs. Most of the good ones are thick and made of memory foam to give your dog plenty of cushioning against the hard floor.
Extremely large dogs can cause the foam to flatten out over time, so you may need to buy a replacement at some point. Or consider choosing a crib mattress with spring coils to provide greater support over a longer period of time.Editor’s Choice: Overstuffed Orthopedic Foam Bed on AmazonIs your dog always cold? A concern for owners of hairless dogs or smaller breeds is their dog’s desire to stay warm. Simple padded beds just don’t cut it. Consider a bed that allows for burrowing like the Cozy Cave, which gets excellent customer reviews. Nesting beds and slumber beds are also a good option for these dogs because dogs can sink in to the softer filling material of the bed. Some dogs love the feeling of “burying” themselves and feel more secure in these beds.Editor’s Choice: Snoozer Cozy Cave Bed on AmazonThick haired or long-haired dogs have an unfortunate tendency to overheat, and beds that emphasize “snuggling” only add to the amount of heat trapped by your dog while they are sleeping.
If your dog tends to overheat while they sleep, the best bed choice for you would be a cot style bed. A cot bed usually features a mesh material for the dog to lay on in addition to legs that elevate the bed off the ground. These two features allow for plenty of air circulation around your dog as they sleep. These beds are also great for older dogs with incontinence issues because of the ease of cleaning. We recommend the Coolaroo for its excellent durability and excellent customer reviews. And it also makes a great outdoor dog bed!Editor’s Choice: Coolaroo Elevated Pet Bed on AmazonDepending upon the individual needs of your dog, you may be looking for a bed that meets certain criteria rather than a bed that falls in to a specific category. Below we will take a look at beds that suit various situations.If you have an especially smelly dog or just hate dog odor in your house, a cedar filled bed could be just what you need. These beds are particularly odorous and can significantly cut down the dog odor in your house — and your dog’s own body odor, particularly for pups with the instinct to disguise their scent.
These dogs will often roll around on their beds so they smell like cedar. Cedar filled beds aren’t as comfortable as cotton filled beds and don’t offer as much padding, and certain dog allergies don’t gel well with cedar filled beds. Otherwise, they’re a great way to keep your home odor free.Editor’s Choice: Dallas Manufacturing Co. Weatherproof Bed on AmazonRead about How to Get Dog Pee Smell Out of CarpetRecycled Materials: With increasing levels of eco-awareness some dog owners are interested in purchasing only eco-friendly products. There are a number of dog beds available that are made from recyclable materials. For instance, the P.L.A.Y. Pet Lifestyle bed is manufactured from recycled plastic bottles. These bed options are often more expensive than other options; however, they are usually built for durability and contribute towards an eco-friendly lifestyle.Editor’s Choice: P.L.A.Y. Eco-Friendly Bed on AmazonOrganic: If you’re committed to organic materials, you’re in luck.
There are a number of organic, all-natural dog beds on the market that are high quality, comfortable and earth-conscious. Some are made using 100% organic cotton or eco-fleece and filled with all-natural rubber. Other options are dog beds made from hemp grown without any chemicals. Even the dyes used to give you color options to match your home’s décor are chemical-free.Editor’s Choice: Pure-Rest Organic Rubber Pet BedFor some anxious dogs, burrowing beds like the Cozy Cave (see above) are an excellent option; however, other dogs that suffer with anxiety may be afraid of the darkness or the concept of being hidden or covered. Another good option for anxious dogs is a nest bed or bolster dog bed that features raised sides without the covering over the top. Bolster beds are generally more expensive than simple padded beds, because most are better made and filled with more durable stuffing. Bolster beds also tend to be bulkier than other types of dog beds, so you need to make sure you have the space at home.
We think your dog will love the additional support and feeling of having their own “couch”.Editor’s Choice: PetFusion Ultimate Dog Bed on AmazonRead about Thunder Jacket’s for DogsElderly dogs and dogs that have arthritis and other joint concerns need beds that are supportive. This means that their beds should be thick and provide plenty of push back rather than simply sinking or relocating filling when the dog lies on the bed. The most popular choice is the orthopedic memory foam bed, which conforms to your dog’s shape but provides support for aching joints. If your dog is elderly and more prone to bladder leakage, look for a waterproof orthopedic bed or a waterproof cover. Memory foam holds in odor, so keep this in mind when searching for an orthopedic bed for your elderly pup.Editor’s Choice: Go Pet Club Orthopedic Bed on AmazonFinding beds for allergy prone dogs can be tricky, and the answer will depend upon what your dog is allergic to. It is always best to avoid beds that contain fillers like cedar, since they can cause skin irritation.
A good alternative is a hypoallergenic dog bed cover, like Teton Dog’s DIY Cover. The cover itself is made of 100% waterproof Nanopore fabric (no chemical waterproofing) and is a barrier against dirt, dust, mites and fleas. And there’s no toxic, allergenic or cedar filling — you stuff the cover with whatever works best for your dog.Editor’s Choice: Design-It-Yourself Dog Bed Cover on AmazonIf you’re striving for space in your home, chances are you have a small to medium-sized dog and need a compact dog bed. Corner beds are a great option to save space because they fit where most furniture items don’t, making use of unused space. Another option for smaller dogs is a dog bed that also serves as a crate and end table with a removable door.Editor’s Choice: Snoozer Corner Pet Bed on AmazonEditor’s Choice: DenHaus TownHaus Dog Crate on AmazonEven dog owners need their space. If your bed is your alone (or couple) time, it’s important to invest in a dog bed so your pup doesn’t get too cozy and accustomed to sharing yours every night.